My perception of the call to be a Proverbs 31 wife has changed over the years. I used to read it with dread, feeling like “that woman” was so far away from who I was.

I saw it as a checklist:

be nice to my husband… every day

get up early… eagerly

cook breakfast

maintain an organized home

be productive… all day long

readily assist those in need

don’t worry

be prepared

sew??? (I may or may not own a sewing machine that is still in the box from 7 years ago)

always speak wisely and kindly

leave no room for laziness

raise respectful, productive children

And I was not stacking up.

I would drown in the details of verses 11-27 and lose sight of the message waiting for me in verse 30.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

All of the qualities listed are wonderful, but I don’t count check marks (or lack thereof) anymore. My desire is to live in love and fear of the Lord, every single day.

Lord, remind me all Your ways add up to love. Loving You. Loving others. In those two things the whole law is fulfilled. Amen.

P.S. Tomorrow the journey through the Advent devotional by John Piper begins: The Dawning of Indestructible Joy. If you haven’t picked up a copy for your household yet, they are available in the Commons Area.

Here we will be adding to the devotional with thoughts and questions to consider. Hope you will continue to follow along.